Brechin started the game well and came agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the first minute. A corner from Stuart Callaghan was headed out of the box by a Forfar defender, but only as far as James Sharp who struck a crisp full volley which looked to be sailing into the corner, and just as the Trinity Road End was about to erupt, Forfar keeper Michael Brown produced an excellent save.
From then on, Brechin were never really in the game as Forfar planned siege on the Brechin goal. Ricky Waddell was thwarted twice by Craig Nelson while Mathu King’s effort was well wide of the target. The referee blew for half time with Forfar by far the better team and they really should have been ahead. As mentioned earlier the U10’s played against the Forfar U10’s, the young reds won 1-0, it was a well worked goal too! A low cross from the left was drilled low into the net.
The second half started like the first finished, with Forfar well in control and Brechin’s attacks never really troubled the loon’s defence. Just a few minutes into the second half Paul Shields was put through on goal by Barry Sellars and attempted to take the ball round Nelson but ‘Nelly’ saved well at his feet.
Forfar eventually got the goal that was coming ten minutes into the second half. Poor communication between Stuart Callaghan and Paul Deas allowed Ricky Waddell to have a run at goal, but instead of shooting squared the ball for Mathu King who drilled the ball past Craig Nelson in the Brechin net.
Barely 3 minutes later and Forfar doubled their lead, Paul Shield’s effort was well blocked by Nelson, his rebound was also saved but the ball fell to David McClune at the far post, who turned and stroked the ball into the net.
Forfar continued piling on the pressure and just 8 minutes later it was three for the loons. Barry Sellars carried the ball from midfield and played the ball for Paul Shields, who capped an excellent performance by drilled the ball past Nelson and into the corner from a difficult angle.
Brechin looked jaded and were must have been glad when the final whistle eventually blew. Supporters quickly forgot about the result and preceded with the celebrations, after all we are celebrating what we have done over the season. Captain Paul Deas lifted the trophy and the celebrations begun. Star players threw their treasured items to the supporters who scrambled for the likes of Craig Nelson’s gloves.
Overall, probably one of the poorest performances all season, maybe just as bad as the 3-0 loss to Stirling back in August. Fortunately, the league was already wrapped up and we can get ready for another attempt at 1st division survival.
TEAM LINEUPS:
Brechin City:
Craig Nelson- 7
David White- 6
Scott Walker- 6
Paul Deas- 6
James Sharp- 6
Steven Ferguson- 6
Charlie King- 6
Ally Mitchell- 5
Steven Hampshire- 6
Graham Gibson- 5
Stuart Callaghan- 5
SUBS
Steve Hamilton (James Sharp 62)- 5
Grant Johnson (Ally Mitchell 67)- 5
Paul Ritchie (Stuart Callaghan 73)- 5
Forfar Athletic:
Michael Brown
Steve Bonar
Steven Florence
Eddie Forrest
David Dunn
Barry Sellars
Paul Lunan
David McClune
Mathu King
Paul Shields
Ricky Waddell
SUBS:
Hugh Davidson (Barry Sellars 84)
Jay Stein (Mathu King 84)
Darryl McKenzie (Paul Lunan 87)
MATCH STATS:
Brechin City:
Goal Attempts: 6
On Target: 4
Off Target: 2
Hit Woodwork: 0
Offsides: 0
Corners: 3
Fouls: 7
Forfar Athletic:
Goal Attempts: 13
On Target: 8
Off Target: 5
Hit Woodwork: 0
Offsides: 2
Corners: 6
Fouls: 7